Considering that I work with hospice patients and see death almost daily, I'm grateful for just being above ground.

-there is nothing wrong with being patient, renting in the short term, and paying down those consumer debts. 

You and your spouse need to be fully supportive of each other's major life activities.If you have clearly and patiently explained your desires and plans and your spouse is either not supporting the decision or is doing so reluctantly, STOP. 

It's easier to overpay than to find a deal, but there are still deals to be had if you're patient, diligent, and effective in your search.

Try to get away from that if you can and be patient.

So all these “base hits” will look like home runs in a few years for those who are patient.

You have to save up a lot of money, be patient, and expect lower returns.

Find someone who remembers what it is like to save up for a long time to buy that first investment property, and can be patient with you as you work through your fears along the way.

Only advise I would say to you with your market on fire is stay patient, dont get emotional and stay with in your investing strategie.

So many of them sit back, cherry pick the deals they see and wait patiently collecting their rents until they see new opportunities.